Police stole my pants, suspect tells court

There was drama in Livingstone magistrates court when a suspect claimed that the police stole his pants and household goods while he was in custody pending court appearance.

The 36 years old Francis Simuhata of Zecco Compound is in court on charges of burglary and theft of goods from two shops belonging to some renowned Kazungula Businessmen.

This was heard in a trial continuation of the matter between Francis Simuhata versus the People.

Facts before Court are that on June 12, 2010 Simuhata connived with two others and stole goods ranging from cell phones, laptops and groceries worth K42million altogether from two separate shops in Kazungula where they had camped for a week.

The two people who were with Samuhata pleaded guilty on June 23, 2010 and have been convicted for five years each while Samuhata still denies the charge.

First witness in the matter, Fred Joe Mukuwa, 26, of Plot Number 72, Makalanguzu Area, and Kazungula said in the Morning of June 13, 2010 he found his shop in a mess, the door open and some empty carton boxes littered outside with Shop’s poster razed down.

Mukuwa said when he entered the shop he discovered that the shop was empty with only carton boxes left.

Mukuwa, who was apprehended in possession of the items later led the Police to the people he was with at a time of offence.

Appearing before Magistrate Ernest Kabungo, Samuhata lifted up his hand and asked for an application.

“My Lord the Police are stepping on my Human Rights they have stolen my property and my pants and so I can’t proceed with trial before my items are returned to me,” Samuhata said.